STRENGTH

CHAPTER ONE

"Sorry for your loss; accept my condolences," was what she had been hearing all day. However, she did not have the strength to reply to any of them as she was still in shock. Some sounded genuine, while others were fake.

Her dad had just been buried, and even though he had passed away two months ago, it still shocked her to think about it. She wasn't extremely close to her dad, but she still loved him and couldn't believe how cruel death could be. She looked up and saw her devastated siblings surrounding their mother, drawing strength from one another. Despite needing to join them, she didn't have the strength to comfort anyone. Since the incident, she hasn't spoken a word to anyone and has locked herself in her room, isolating herself from everyone as she tries to come to terms with it. She still vividly remembers how she received the news.

"She had just come back from the outpatient care and was extremely tired. She had just sat down on the sofa when she got a call from one of her sisters"

"Madam," she greeted her sister Sharon tiredly. Sobbing, Sharon called out to her sister, "Stephanie..."

Stephanie sat up alarmed. "What happened? Where are you? Why are you crying? Are you hurt? Answer me before I lose my mind."

"It's Dad," she continued sobbing.

"Yes, what happened to him? Is he back from his trip?"

"He had an accident," she cried loudly.

"WHAT!!! Where is he? Are you with him now? Which hospital?" She asked her sister hysterically, picking up her car keys.

"He is at Star Hospital.

On my way.

She didn't know that night was going to change her life forever. When she got to the hospital, she asked where her family was. The nurse kindly showed her the way, and she quickly ran towards her mother, who was staring into space and mumbling - no doubt praying.

"Mom, what are the doctors saying? How bad is it? Sharon, say something! Why is nobody saying anything?"

Just then, a doctor walked towards them. She stood up and introduced herself, and he told them that her dad was in a critical state and that they were doing all they could to help him. He also informed them that her dad had requested to meet her. She quickly followed the doctor to see her dad

There he was, her hero - an embodiment of strength - just lying there hopelessly. She choked back a sob and ran towards him.

"Dad," she cried, holding his hand firmly.

"Stephanie," her dad called to her softly. "I want you to know that I am proud of you. Take care of your sisters and your mom. Always know that I love you all," he rasped out.

"Don't talk like that. It's breaking my heart. All you should do now is try and focus on getting better," she said with teary eyes. Before she could finish, her dad went into shock.

"Stephanie, Stephanie," she heard her name in the distance. Yes, she snapped out of her trance. Her cousin, Sally, looked at her with concern. She pulled her into a hug and pleaded with her to let it all out.

"Please, let it all out. You need to let it go.

I can't, I just can't. I need to be strong."

"For who? You have to think of yourself and stop keeping your emotions inside. I hate seeing you like this," Sally said.

I nodded and looked over, just in time to see my Uncle Stan, who always criticized everything I did and wanted the company all by himself. I scowled at him angrily.

Finally, the day had ended, and she could now breathe without anyone looking over her shoulder. She went to hug her mom and siblings and wished them a good night's rest.